It's 1987 New York, June Elbus is 14-years old and has just lost the person who is the most dear to her in all the world, her Uncle Finn. Uncle Finn understood June more than anyone else, or so she thinks. She knows that her uncle is gay and that it was AIDS that killed him. She's also heard murmurs of a terrible man named Toby who gaver her uncle AIDS and was his "downfall".

This book spins a tale of people coming to terms with their own shortcomings as well as learning how to forgive others. It feels so raw and honest at times that it almost hurts to read. You just want to hug June and tell her that her medieval boots are actually REALLY COOL. You want to shake her older sister Greta, who delights in tormenting June, her jealousy of Uncle Finn radiating off the pages. Most of all you want an entire second book, a prequel so that we can read more about her amazing Uncle Finn and his partner Toby and their love for each other.

Amazing narration (I listened to it on audio in the car) and tight, gripping storytelling. I'm glad to know that Nesbo seems to only get better and better as a mystery writer. Terrific Scandinavian noir.

Wow. Thrilling conclusion to a steller fantasy series. But I want more! Maybe prequels? Or stories set elsewhere in the Seven Realms? Say it's not over yet, please!